Can i still be positive for HIV after testing neg. after at 3 months?

[littleone2384]

Back in July 2008 I decided to get tested for HIV after a possible exposer incident in April( My male partner with an unknown status took the condom off after I told him to put it on, I didn't realize this until we were finished). You can only imagine how violated I felt, and how scared I was at this point in time. I was told at the clinic that day that there was a 3 month window period and that if the test comes up neg. then I do not have HIV...the test is upto 99.6% accurate using the Elisa Oral Swab. After doing a lot of reading I found that 97% of HIV exposed people will show up positive within the first 3 months, but in very very rare cases it can take up to 6 months to show on an anti-body test. So then i was freaking out again, went to my regular Dr. explained the situation and scheduled an appointment for my yearly pap screening and STD screening along with regular blood work. After getting the results back from all my test I was told that I do not have any STD'S and my blood work came back fine, not to worry. My Dr. then said I could come back a 6 months to test for HIV again to make sure everything was ok. I started having servere anxiety, crying all the time, shaking, depression after all this and decided to see a therapist b/c i couldn't get through evreyday life without being scared. I was wondering if someone could tell me why there is a 6 month window period after the 3 month and I would like to get tested again in October but I am so scared...do you think i may have this virus and it just didn't show up on the 3 month test? Or do you all think i'm crazy and should keep seeing my therapist cause i have serious mental issues with worrying? What are the chances of the test turning positive after the 3 month mark?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not need retesting.

I answered your question by mistake.  You have posted on the wrong site.   Questions about HIV belong on the HIV prevention site.  I will did my best to answer your questions with my reply but, if you have additional questions or follow-up they must be on the HIV Prevention site.  Sorry  EWH

[littleone2384]

Dr. Hook,
     I thank you for your prompt response to my question. Unfortunately, I still can't shake this thought in my head so I have decided to get tested again in a few weeks and pray to the lord that I will test negative again and I will be free of anxiety and worry. I try each and everyday to shake this thought but it will not go away. I have called many of the Health Depts. in the state of NY and all of them have said a test will come up positive within 3 months, the only people that have said otherwise is the CDC. I trust your judgement and will do my best to believe that I am ok for the next few weeks until I test again. You really don't think another test is nescessary??? Thank you once again!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The six month "window" statements exist to provide "cover" for those incredibly rare situations in which people do seroconvert late.  If you look at our site, you will see that we routinely tell people such as yourself that they really do not need testing after testing at the 6-8 week time points.  Do people convert after three months -yes, but the event is so rare as to be a medical curiosity and pertains only to bizarre situations such as instances when persons are immunosuppressed due to cancer chemotherapy, etc.  The recommendations have virtually no relevance to every day life for those of us who do not have severe underlying other illnesses or other curiosities.  You do not have HIV and a repeat test serves no medical purpose for you.  You have nothing to worry about.  At this point, you are far more likely to be hit by lightening in the next week or so that to have HIV from the exposure you describe.  Hope this helps.  EWH